Canadian Wildlife

Many people think of the arctic area as a vast barren tundra. But don't let the cool weather fool you!

Wildlife in the Churchill area is abundant, with many rare and wonderful species to see. Members of our wildlife community are uniquely equipped to live in the northern climate while some migrate. This is seen up close and personal at Lazy Bear Expeditions.

The sociable and fun-loving Beluga visit the area in the thousands in late July and early August. These majestic white mammals are not only beautiful but are known as “sea canaries” for their musical chirps, clicks and whirs—and they can mimic other sounds too! Plus, they are friendly and curious and will even try to swim up to boats to check out the action. Come on up to Churchill this summer and see for yourself!

And, of course, there are the Polar Bears. These unique white bears live on sea ice and come to the coast in summer to rest or take a dip in the chilly waters to cool themselves off. In fall, they gather together on the shore eagerly waiting for the sea ice to form so they can return home. It's worth a trip to Churchill to visit these amazing creatures by boat in summer or on the tundra in fall.

Other unique northern animals can also be seen in the Churchill area, like Arctic Hares, Snowshoe Hares, Arctic Foxes and Moose. While rare, the area even has some bats, mink (ermine) and lynx, among others.

Bird Watchers' Delight

If you love birds, spring and summer are the ideal time to visit the Great White North--in fact the arctic is known around the world as a “birders' paradise” with over 225 species in the region.

From June to September, you can see species like gulls, ducks, loons and falcons. Just a few of the many varieties include, among others:

• Long-tailed Ducks

• Common Eiders

• Pacific and Red-Throated Loons

• Ross's and Bonaparte's Gulls, and

• Little Gulls

• Gyrfalcons (the largest in the world), and

• Merlin falcons.

Many of nature's aviators are even named after the North like Tundra Swans, Northern Shrike, Lapland Longspurs, and Hudsonian Godwit. And in the fall, you can also observe Willow Ptarmigans, Snowy Owls and Snow Geese.

Churchill, Manitoba, Canada is a top location to view the many species of exotic arctic wildlife. Lazy Bear Expeditions offers tundra expeditions and Hudson Bay coastal tours in summer or fall which give you a chance not only to meet the Belugas and the Bears but see the many other animal and bird habitats of the Great White North.